Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet became a regular dish in my house after one late summer afternoon when I came home with too many zucchinis from the farmer’s market and only a pound of ground beef to work with. I needed something hearty and healthy that didn’t require hours in the kitchen however once I started tossing everything into the skillet the sweet aroma of caramelizing sweet potatoes mixing with the sizzling beef and fresh herbs told me I was onto something truly satisfying.

Since then this has been one of my favorite one-pan meals and not just because of how little cleanup it involves but also because it’s filling colorful and nutrient-packed. I love how the natural sweetness of the potatoes balances out the savory beef and how the zucchini adds a fresh slightly crisp bite making it perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – Brings protein-rich heartiness and flavor to the dish.
• Sweet potatoes – Add natural sweetness and a soft creamy texture once cooked.
• Zucchini – Gives the skillet a light crisp contrast and soaks up the seasoning beautifully.
• Onion – Enhances the flavor base with savory depth.
• Garlic – Adds an earthy bold touch and brings the whole dish together.
• Olive oil – Helps sauté the veggies and keeps everything from sticking.
• Paprika – Gives a warm subtle smokiness to the skillet.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the pan.
• Black pepper – Adds mild heat and balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Fresh parsley – A vibrant finishing touch that adds freshness and color.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Large skillet – The best tool for cooking everything evenly in one pan.
• Cutting board and knife – For prepping the sweet potatoes zucchini and other veggies.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Perfect for stirring without damaging the skillet.
• Vegetable peeler – To remove the sweet potato skin if you prefer it peeled.
• Lid (optional) – Useful if you want to steam the veggies slightly for a softer texture.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes then I slice the zucchini into half-moons and finely chop the onion and garlic to get everything ready.

Step 2:

I heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat then I add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through breaking it apart with a spoon.

Step 3:

Once the beef is cooked I remove it from the skillet and set it aside while keeping some of the drippings in the pan for flavor.

Step 4:

I add a little more olive oil if needed then toss in the chopped onion and garlic and sauté them for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5:

Next I add the sweet potatoes and season with salt pepper and paprika then I cover the skillet and let them cook for about 10–12 minutes stirring occasionally until fork-tender.

Step 6:

I stir in the zucchini and cook for another 4–5 minutes until it’s tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 7:

Finally I return the cooked ground beef to the skillet stir everything together and let it all warm through for a couple more minutes then I sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips

You can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version of this dish.

I recommend cutting the sweet potatoes into small even cubes so they cook faster and evenly.

If you want extra flavor add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar toward the end.

Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Ways to Serve

Serve it as a complete meal on its own since it’s well-balanced and satisfying.

Spoon it over brown rice or quinoa for an extra boost of fiber and grains.

Use it as a taco filling with some avocado slices and lime on top.

Add a fried egg on top for a delicious protein-packed breakfast or brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet ahead of time?

Yes this dish is great for meal prep and stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet?

Absolutely! Just let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet?

I reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth or microwave it until heated through.

Can I add other vegetables to Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet?

Yes bell peppers spinach or mushrooms all work great and you can adjust based on what’s in season or your fridge!

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet a try soon! It’s one of my coziest skillet dinners and I’d love to know how you make it your own. Don’t forget to save it and share it with someone who loves an easy one-pan recipe!

Happy Cooking!

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